so confusing... after the first post I was sure it was a Nerine but after looking up images of Lycoris. It could be that as well This is a second picture that I took

I'm with your wife. But, here's a link to some info on 'Florel' - hope your trees aren't too big - I'd hate to think about having to spray some of the monsters in my grandmother's yard or our place at the lake when I was a kid Here is a link that might be useful: Florel

Dick Sonia, While there may be no avocado orchards in Oregon or Washington, I would disagree that these states aren't a potential source of infestation for California. You are forgetting that so many people smuggle in plants, seeds and fruit and vegetables from all over the world via air travel, and then can easily drive across a state border and be a potential source of infestation. Also diseases and pests that may require a warmer climate such as California's, can also easily establish a beach head inside greenhouses, and spread throughout the country. So it doesn't really follow that any state is more at risk from California pests than vice versa. All parts of the country are equally accessible to bone headed people who bring in infected materials without thinking of the potential harm, and can then easily cross state borders and spread the risk beyond their initial entry point. While diseases such as Sudden Oak Death are already here in California, they also occur in Washington and Oregon states, and infected plants from nurseries there if not inspected could still easily spread this disease to parts of California where it doesn't occur (yet). So your analogies don't make total sense, and we are back to relying on an imperfect system that assumes people will cooperate in their own self interest. Education of the public is the key factor, making people feel that it IS in their self interest to cooperate and attempt to keep pests out. The alternative is resorting to police state inspection policies. Given how there doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm for cooperation and the public good anymore, it may come to that.

Hi Jim, There will be a second tomato season starting the first of August here in So. CAl. I can't believe you didn't know about it. Its called the "Cool Season" tomato program. Varieties like, Glacier, Siberia, Oregon Spring, Taxi, GAlina's Cherry, Stupice, Legend, Jetsetter, Silvery Fir Tree and Sub-artic Plenty are some of the few that will be available. The secret is to plant them late summer when the soil is still warm. These tomato plants will perform better when allowed to mature before its get cold, these varieties can withstand cooler temperatures, more humidity and less daylight hours. In our test garden, we have fruit from November through March the following year. Now remember that they are still tomato plants. They will freeze when temp are below 32F. If you cover them or move them under a patio they should be fine. Siberia will produce to temps down to 36F. Another thing I found out is that using organic fertilizers, including humic acid and applying a liquid kelp or seaweed excract will aid your plants survival in cooler temperatures. Steve